Home Movers Wanted Hundred Dollar Tip?!

[BridalLace]

Anyone who has ever used home movers before (where a moving truck arrives and its loaded and driven across the country to somewhere else) - did you tip the movers, and if so, how much? How did you know that tip was expected?

We just moved our stuff from Indiana to the west coast and the movers were 1 day late arriving - they were in a car accident and so couldn't make the designated day (Monday this past week - they arrived Tues instead.) They also didn't arrive btw 2-4pm like they said they would when they re-arranged the appointment. I had no idea a tip could be expected in this sort of situation; not that i'd mind tipping someone, but how are you supposed to know about this, if you hardly ever use movers?

Also the amount that they expected just staggered me. A hundred bucks? Seriously? Isn't a gratuity supposed to be a quality-of-service fee - namely, the customer decides how much it should be, and isn't it also supposed to be rendered once the service is COMPLETE? meaning, once my stuff arrives on the west coast safe and sound.

just curious what others have experienced in this situation, how you knew beforehand if you did tip your movers, and how much you gave them, if any. my husband didn't tip our movers in the end- he just didn't have it on him, and he wasn't going to whip out his checkbook, either, just like that, which is what the guys implied they expected him to do if he didn't have cash. i don't want my stuff to end up arriving broken or dumped in the drink somewhere, but like i said above, i would've tipped the guys something *reasonable* if i'd just known it was expected beforehand. and i'd rather tip AFTER rather than BEFORE my stuff arrives, though.

thanks for any insight,

Heather

[ManteoChik]

I think its pretty typical to tip movers.

I'm assuming they loaded the truck before moving the stuff across the country? Was the accident their fault or someone's else's? If it wasn't their fault I don't see how you can be to upset with them with that. If it was their fault, well that kinda sucks and I'd hope none of my stuff was damaged.

I would tip $50 per person, but not $100 per person.

[keska]

I tip on both ends of a cross country move because the crew that loads your truck and the crew that unloads will not be the same people. Local moves, where the guys load up and deliver the same day or whatever, I tip once at the end. Movers work hard. I'm happy to tip a lot if they are careful with the furniture, pack well, and don't scuff up the house. I tip even more if they are really speedy.

I think you should cut some slack if they were only one day late and the delay was because of an accident. Stuff happens sometimes. In our worst move, they arrived two weeks past the expected arrival date. We lived on the floor and ate off paper plates for three whole weeks.

[thedoorchick]

I have always tipped movers. To be honest I can't remember how much because our last move was six years ago. But they did a great job and also finished a couple of hours faster than the estimate. So really they saved me money since we were paying by the hour, so I was glad to tip them accordingly. I know we gave them at least $100 (there were two guys IIRC) and maybe $200. I know we didn't skimp.

However, I don't think movers should talk about the tip they expect or suggest an amount. Tipping is at the customer's discretion. That being said, tipping movers is very common and probably generally expected (though again, they should not discuss it with you - that's very unprofessional).

I also would not try to ding them for being late due to a car accident. I would just be glad everyone was OK!

The first time I hired movers, I lived alone, and did not know whether to tip, so I asked. I called my BF at the time (now my DH) and he called his brother, who had worked as a mover in the past, and asked him for me. The response was that it was not expected but always appreciated and fairly common.

[Belm]

We sometimes tip the movers. It depends on their service. We do always provide coffee, donuts, water and lunch (usually pizza). This last part of our move, the movers that loaded us into our new house were horrible. DH had to work and it was just me checking the boxes in. I put up large labels where the boxes should go (in which room). All of the boxes were clearly labeled what room they should be in. But, they just stuck the box wherever they felt like. I also put labels on what wall the furniture should go, they also ignored them. It took forever to resort everything.

[TazLuv]

Heather, the first time we moved cross country I also had no idea movers were supposed to be tipped. At the end of the unload nothing was said and they went on their way. Afterwards when I found we should have I felt bad, but I was new to this - how was I supposed to know?

Now coming right out and telling you they expect a tip of a certain amount in uncalled for in any industry, IMO.

[cocopops]

We moved in January from Southern CA to Southern OR :( military relocation. Sigh*

I did not tip the movers because I was not home when the movers loaded or unloaded. Maybe DH did I am unsure :confused:

Now coming right out and telling you they expect a tip of a certain amount in uncalled for in any industry, IMO.

Ditto

[ThreeYell]

I had the world's greatest movers on our last move and I tipped them at least $100. I don't remember how much exactly. They did tell me that the best thing I could do for them was to fill out the customer survey I got in the mail a few weeks later. They were having a contest and the team that got the most positive reviews got a substantial bonus. I filled it out giving them a rave review and sent a note to the company praising their service.

My previous move was hellish and the driver/leader was horrible to me. I ended up tipping the crew members because I assumed it wasn't their fault they were working with an ass but I didn't tip the driver.

[Kanga]

A tip is just that a tip, there shouldn't be an expected amount and it should never be discussed by the person receiving the tip. If they did a good job moving your stuff, I'd still tip but not as much as normal (since they were rude and unprofessional). If they didn't do so well, my tip would be less or none.

[IrishEyes]

We gave each of our local movers (3 guys) $20. But no, they didn't ask for it and I'm shocked they did! If that is something the company expects, then I'd want them to state that when they came to give me a quote!

[diam124]

We've always tipped movers - always after the move is complete (it's always been the same crew for us). The last time was the biggest move (they packed some stuff and there were a lot of stairs involved). I can't remember how much we tipped but I think it was between $50 and $75 per person. Maybe more for the foreman? My DH never even saw the movers and yes, they definitely told me that they would appreciate a tip. They were not the most professional movers but nothing was damaged (although they did steal our liquor). I was just happy to get them out of my new house.

[Walton]

We have used movers once - it was a crew of 3 guys and they moved our things approximately 30 miles. They worked super hard and fast and came in under the estimated time. We bought them lunch (sandwiches, chips, sodas) and then tipped them. I can't remember exactly how much we tipped but it was between $100-150 in total. We left it up to them to divide it.

I definitely think it's common practice to tip your movers.

[sea74]

Tipping movers is completely normal. It's a lot of hard work. I don't think $100 is out of line either.

If I were you, I'd probably send them a tip through the moving company since you didn't know ahead of time.

[imagirliegirl]

I always thought people tipped movers but my husband worked for a moving company in college (a national chain) and he said they rarely got tips. I was surprised.

Anyway, I think it's uber tacky to ask for tips or specify denominations (unless asked).

[chefker]

We tipped our movers about $20 each. There were six of them, so that was over $100 right off. But they didn't ask for a certain amount, or anything. One of them did a dunk on our basketball hoop and BROKE it right off the backboard (it's not the type of hoop you're supposed to dunk on). They might have gotten a little bit more if it weren't for that. :rolleyes:

[PinkMartini]

When we re-located from SoCal up to NorCal (same guys did the loading/unloading) we tipped them each $20 I think. They damaged a few of the items so we didn't feel the need to tip any more than we did...

[BTB]

We moved 100 miles and tipped about $75 on both ends of the move. I do think it's expected, unless something goes wrong, and a tip on the front end of the move can help things go smoothly at the destination. But I wouldn't lose sleep over not tipping, and I would've been put off too by outright asking for a tip, of any amount. Naming the amount is especially gauche.

[ejs]

So what happened? They unloaded your stuff and said, "Where's our tip? We'd like $100."

[Niobe]

So what happened? They unloaded your stuff and said, "Where's our tip? We'd like $100."

I'm getting the impression they may have asked for the tip when they loaded the truck up at point A...

[BridalLace]

So what happened? They unloaded your stuff and said, "Where's our tip? We'd like $100."

they haven't arrived yet. we are waiting here in SoCal for it. hope it arrives none the worse for the wear, since we had no tip at the end of the first loading.

i am very surprised that everyone here already knew about the tipping thing. wish i'd known too. i probably would've been ok with giving each guy $20 as several people have mentioned they'd done.

[trestlegirl]

i am very surprised that everyone here already knew about the tipping thing. wish i'd known too. i probably would've been ok with giving each guy $20 as several people have mentioned they'd done.

I tip in pretty much any situation where I'm interacting with someone who is providing a service for me - I'm surprised that you didn't know! For a cross-country move I would have no problem tipping $100/person. Totally agree that it was inappropriate for them to ask, though.

I hope your stuff arrives ok, and, welcome to SoCal :)

[Tracie]

I am notorious for not knowing/remembering about a tip. When I was 16, I got my nails done for the prom and my mom asked me what I left for a tip and I said, "Tip?" :eek: Horrible.

That said, thanks to the foresight of my husband, I think we did tip our movers. (About an hour's distance, in state.) They did a great job and definitely deserved it!

[jennylou]

I never would have expected to tip movers (I've always moved myself locally, or paid people with beer/pizza and then later recipricated for their moves, lol).

I would think that movers would be paid more substantially, than say a server or a pizza delivery driver and thus wouldn't give it a second thought.

Sigh - I think tipping has gotten crazy in our society. Everyone wants a tip these days.

[laura]

I tip our movers generously, based on the job they do. I loooooved our movers who moved us cross country and they did a phenomenal job so I bought them lunch on both ends and tipped them generously at the end. For our most recent move, I did tip but I didn't tip AS generously b/c they damaged some of our belongings. Also, one of the movers was using our table as a packing surface and he put a HUGE scratch it in and then tried to claim it was already there and actually argued with me about it. But still, moving is hard work and I don't mind tipping for a job well done.

[VASLP]

I've gotten movers 3 times for just moves in and around the same area. I tipped those guys $20 each. For a bigger move (out of state) I tipped $50 each.

[tandt]

We moved from NJ back to GA about 2 years ago and tipped the driver/crew about $50 per person and bought them lunch/snacks/drinks (not beer though).

The moving folks work really hard, so I felt good about tipping them.

Now, the folks at Starbucks, Smoothie King, etc with that darn tip jar for pouring a cup of something, no thank you.

[KK812]

We moved in January from Southern CA to Southern OR :( military relocation. Sigh*

I did not tip the movers because I was not home when the movers loaded or unloaded. Maybe DH did I am unsure :confused:



Ditto

If the military paid for your move then the movers are not supposed to accept a tip. They are contracted by the government. We always provide plenty of drinks and offer to buy lunch, though.

[Bloomwood]

We've used movers/packers and I've always tipped generously, but what I didn't know is to feed them! The first guys we used had lunch right before they arrived so I didn't need even think about it.

When I unpacked our stuff from the next move, I found candy bar wrappers stuffed all over from the movers hitting our Halloween candy. I felt terrible when I found out I was supposed to offer food...and definitely did it for all subsequent moves!

I think it is wrong though that your movers actually ASKED for a tip. Totally inappropriate in any situation.

[Anna Low]

We had crazy movers the last time - almost too bizarre for words. The move was long distance and we had been given estimates on the times so we would have a good idea of when to be where. The packers (different crew) were fantastic and I gave them all nice tips. The movers (3 creepy guys) came in and took an absurdly long time to get the truck loaded. More than 10 hours. When they arrived at our new house (a week later as promised), it took them even longer to get everything unloaded. The driver kept trying to get us to give him some of our furniture. Said other customers did that all the time when they found that their stuff didn't quite "match" the new house. We also labeled each room and the packers worked with me to ensure that the boxes were clearly marked so that we didn't have to guess what was supposed to go where. Anyway, during that seemingly endless unloading day (they even picked up a day laborer to help), the boxes and furniture were randomly scattered throughout the house - even though DH and I were asked every.single.time where we wanted the item. They ended up destroying one of our dining room chairs and the crazy driver told us that we weren't allowed to report it. (We did report it.) About mid-day, the day laborer finished up and asked me where DH was so he could get his tip. And at the end of this day, once all of my stuff was inside of my house, the driver told DH that he often came on this route and thought that he would give us a call so he could "swing by and see us". We were both completely freaked out by this.

[heather 8^)]

We had a local move, and we had already moved everything ourselves, except for a few pieces of big furniture that we needed help with, so we only needed the movers for 3 hours total. I forget the details now, but I remember that we *rescheduled our move* due to their poor scheduling, and still they were WAY late and pretty slow, but they were very careful with our furniture and were polite. We gave them $100 to split between the 3 of them.

[DallasLady]

I never would have expected to tip movers (I've always moved myself locally, or paid people with beer/pizza and then later recipricated for their moves, lol).

I would think that movers would be paid more substantially, than say a server or a pizza delivery driver and thus wouldn't give it a second thought.

Sigh - I think tipping has gotten crazy in our society. Everyone wants a tip these days.

Ditto everything you said. We only moved once using movers, and we didn't tip them. We paid 2 guys $400 for an intown move where we packed all the boxes ourselves. They loaded it onto their truck, drove it to the house and unloaded it. They worked for maybe 3 hours total. That works out to about $67 an hour for each guy. I don't think that kind of wage requires a tip.

[udsweetpea]

If I'm moving cross country, I would definitely tip because that would be so much more convenient than doing it myself. And believe me, I just moved someone across the country. I would have gladly tipped someone to do it!

However, if anyone in any industry asks for a tip directly, I would flat out tell them that I don't tip when it is asked for and go on my merry way.

[thedoorchick]

Ditto everything you said. We only moved once using movers, and we didn't tip them. We paid 2 guys $400 for an intown move where we packed all the boxes ourselves. They loaded it onto their truck, drove it to the house and unloaded it. They worked for maybe 3 hours total. That works out to about $67 an hour for each guy. I don't think that kind of wage requires a tip.

Was this a moving company owned by someone else who kept most of the fee and paid these guys more of a normal hourly wage? If so, I would be inclined to tip the movers themselves, who are doing the actual work. If not, and these are just two guys who do their own thing and charge over $100 per hour, maybe not. Then again, that means they're the business owners and incur all the expenses. Their take home was probably nowhere near $67 an hour.

Not saying everyone should tip movers no matter what. I agree that tipping has gotten a little out of control but then again moving is a really hard job, certainly more so than making a latte or something. I generally think that tipping has gone insane in our society but for some reason I am inclined to tip movers. Not sure why I feel differently about them.

[phoenics]

I had some movers tell me to tip them before and I did, but with resentment. I had planned on tipping, but being told to do so really put me off.

I moved cross-country and my job paid for it, so I did not tip and the guys told me they weren't allowed to take one. I did provide cold water though. The moving took about 2.5 hours, if that (unloading).

When I moved in town recently to my new home, I tipped more handsomely because my place is on a hill, with stairs just to get into the unit - plus stairs inside. I had a ton of boxes too. I felt bad for those guys, so I tipped a lot more.

If the movers own the company, I do not tip them. If they are paid workers, I do tip them.

[DallasLady]

Was this a moving company owned by someone else who kept most of the fee and paid these guys more of a normal hourly wage? If so, I would be inclined to tip the movers themselves, who are doing the actual work. If not, and these are just two guys who do their own thing and charge over $100 per hour, maybe not. Then again, that means they're the business owners and incur all the expenses. Their take home was probably nowhere near $67 an hour.

Not saying everyone should tip movers no matter what. I agree that tipping has gotten a little out of control but then again moving is a really hard job, certainly more so than making a latte or something. I generally think that tipping has gone insane in our society but for some reason I am inclined to tip movers. Not sure why I feel differently about them.

It was a "company" but it was only composed of 4 guys who took in town moving jobs on the weekends. So, yes, they do have expenses like gas and truck maintenance to deal with. I still didn't think it warranted a tip though. But maybe I am just cheap ;)

[jenahdawn]

I never would have expected to tip movers (I've always moved myself locally, or paid people with beer/pizza and then later recipricated for their moves, lol).

I would think that movers would be paid more substantially, than say a server or a pizza delivery driver and thus wouldn't give it a second thought.

Sigh - I think tipping has gotten crazy in our society. Everyone wants a tip these days.

And then you would be thinking...

My husband did this the summer we got married. The only reason he made $10 per hour is because he was the driver. Anyone with him made between $6-8 per hour. They were rarely tipped. The company he worked for (Two Men and a Truck) implies that it is just that, 2 men and a truck.

BUT...the company was started by and owned by two women, in Ohio, I believe. My husband actually had to work under some dangerous conditions, not just weight of pianos and stuff, but women leaving their husbands, people threatening them with guns, etc etc.

The other problem is the furniture. A lot of people have the crappy pressed board and laminated desks (I know, I'm at one myself right now) or equally "impressive" brands. That stuff is not meant to last 50 years. In fact, our local TM&aT have a deal with the manufacturer to replace the parts that get broken for free since even THEY know the stuff breaks easily.

So, tip your movers. Most of the time it can be their first of three moves of the day for crappy pay working with someone from a work release program, and they are trying to put themselves through grad school. (A lot of DH's coworkes)

[laura]

Our movers provided contracts that stated clearly they would move items made of particle board, mdf, etc, but they did not insure them against damage. I thought that was commonplace for movers. It definitely is in this area based on the ~10 quotes I got when we moved last summer.

[trestlegirl]

Let me just ditto what Jenah said....my college boyfriend worked as a mover one summer, and although he made a decent amount of money for a college student, it wasn't a living wage for anyone who had to support a family. He worked his ass off too - he's a fit guy anyway, but he was ripped by the end of that summer! And he had some CRAZY stories about his clients and coworkers.

I don't always tip at the coffee shop when someone spent 5 seconds pouring me a cup of coffee, but I think someone who spent several hours packing and carrying my crap around deserves some thanks for their hard work.

[jenahdawn]

but he was ripped by the end of that summer!

Oh, yeah, that was MY tip!

[attorneymom]

Not that this really has anything to do with tipping movers, but a few years ago, I had occasion to do some research on interstate shipping issues. I was shocked (honestly!) to learn that there are tons of cases involving movers (particularly those who move long distances) who get to the destination and then try to charge people tons more money than the original quote. Basically, some of these movers (and they probably are in the minority) hold the goods they are moving hostage until the extra amounts are paid. Crazy!

I'm not saying that's what any of your DH's did, by any means, nor am I offering that to weigh in on the tipping issue (I've always moved with a pickup and a few friends, the pizza and beer thing), but I was really surprised when I read all of the cases.

[Missy2U]

Not that this really has anything to do with tipping movers, but a few years ago, I had occasion to do some research on interstate shipping issues. I was shocked (honestly!) to learn that there are tons of cases involving movers (particularly those who move long distances) who get to the destination and then try to charge people tons more money than the original quote. Basically, some of these movers (and they probably are in the minority) hold the goods they are moving hostage until the extra amounts are paid. Crazy!

This happened to a friend of mine who was moving from Palatine, IL to Algonquin, IL. A total trip of 20 minutes. They charged her $300 more than they quoted her. She really didn't have a choice either. :(

[allyray231]

I moved twice. Once in the same town and once from downstate to upstate. We tip each time and I believe 50-100 bucks per mover.

I have never heard of not tipping movers.

[kedzieb]

I moved twice. Once in the same town and once from downstate to upstate. We tip each time and I believe 50-100 bucks per mover.

I have never heard of not tipping movers.

I agree. We moved down the block (literally 1 block) and still tipped the movers around $200 for 3 of them. They did a great job & came in under their time estimate, which actually saved us money. We paid cash.

[Asha]

we usually tip around $10-$40/moving guy depending on the move. our last movers unpacked our moving truck for us and we gave them on the low end for tips. they arrived late (note they didn't have the truck and were meeting us at the house to unpack our truck), dumped boxes in wrong rooms, and refused to help us put together some furniture. they said they weren't allowed to put together furniture which i thought was bogus bc all movers have helped us with that before. so since they weren't willing to go above and beyond, i didn't feel like a generous tip was necessary.

we have had several movers say x is the cost for moving, and tips are not included in that price.

[Asha]

This happened to a friend of mine who was moving from Palatine, IL to Algonquin, IL. A total trip of 20 minutes. They charged her $300 more than they quoted her. She really didn't have a choice either. :(

that's why we always get a flat rate for moving and get it in writing. this happened to us once.

[jennylou]

Let me just ditto what Jenah said....my college boyfriend worked as a mover one summer, and although he made a decent amount of money for a college student, it wasn't a living wage for anyone who had to support a family. He worked his ass off too - he's a fit guy anyway, but he was ripped by the end of that summer! And he had some CRAZY stories about his clients and coworkers.

I don't always tip at the coffee shop when someone spent 5 seconds pouring me a cup of coffee, but I think someone who spent several hours packing and carrying my crap around deserves some thanks for their hard work.

By that rationale, we should tip anyone who doesn't make a living wage. Get ready to tip your cashiers, your gas station attendant (who just takes the cash, I'm not talking about the ones who pump for you), the cook at the chain restaurant you're eating at, etc, etc, etc.

[BridalLace]

i certainly appreciate all the replies, although whenver anyone says they tip EACH mover btw $50-100, that really blows my mind. by that logic, if you have 5 movers, for instance, you could end up spending anywhere from $250-500 on tips alone. i will always be too cheap for that, i guess! but yeah, i could still do #20-30 per mover. interesting discussion...!

[lindybug]

We just had movers pack up and move our 3 story, 3,500 sqft house. They spent 2 days packing everything, and the third day moving it out onto the moving truck. There were 3-4 guys there each day, but not always the same guys. (Except the leader, who was there everyday.) They are storing our stuff for a month, then driving down to FL from MD, moving our stuff in our new house, and unpacking the boxes.

So far, on the packing up and moving out end, they have done a great job. Very friendly, always on time, and efficient.

We tipped $30/day per guy. So, depending on how many days they worked, they got $30, $60, or $90. We gave the leader a bit more. He will be the one driving the truck to FL and meeting us there. We will tip once we are down there too, but it won't be as much since it's only a 1 day job.

[miaclear]

I've never tipped a mover....simply cause I've never used one. Does nobody rent a U-Haul anymore and call up their friends?

I suppose it changes as you get older, have more stuff, have kids, have friends who have a life of their own. I think I'd still use a Uhaul for an in city move though. Cross country...I'd have to price it all out. Now that I know I should add about $500 in tips on top of it that's useful information ;)

[jenahdawn]

By that rationale, we should tip anyone who doesn't make a living wage. Get ready to tip your cashiers, your gas station attendant (who just takes the cash, I'm not talking about the ones who pump for you), the cook at the chain restaurant you're eating at, etc, etc, etc.

But are you trusting a cashier with all of your worldly posessions as well as working their a$$e$ off with the possibility of getting injured?

[Sadie]

We moved a year ago--an in-town move (5 whole miles!) and did the packing ourselves. We had 4 guys and tipped them $50 each and provided lunch. It is a hard, physically demanding job, and most of them probably don't get paid nearly as much as you think they do. It was worth every single penny of that $200 to me not to have to lug a house full of heavy stuff onto a truck and then off again in the heat--and this was on top of the $1000 fee we paid. Now, had they damaged stuff, been rude, or otherwise sucked, that would be a different story. But we still would have given them something.

[Kopper]

When you guys tipped was it for a corporate relo or were you paying yourselves?

I feel bad now b/c I did not tip on the loading side but will make sure we tip tomorrow when our stuff is unloaded. I did buy them all a big lunch. Do you tip packers too? Crap, I didn't do that either. I wish I had known that it's customary. FWIW we aren't paying for the move so I guess I didn't even think about it. Our driver owns his own truck but for a national moving comany. Does that make a difference?

ETA... when I brought them lunch the driver asked me twice how much he owed me but I said not to worry about it, my treat.

[udsweetpea]

I've never tipped a mover....simply cause I've never used one. Does nobody rent a U-Haul anymore and call up their friends?

I always use a U-Haul, and I've done a Delaware to Florida move several times, and we just did one from PA to Colorado. Granted there wasn't much furniture, but I'm sure we would still do it ourselves and ask some friends to help if we had more furniture. Sure beats to cost of paying someone hand over fist to do it for you.

[jenahdawn]

ETA... when I brought them lunch the driver asked me twice how much he owed me but I said not to worry about it, my treat.


That should tell you how often people don't tip them...

[Kopper]

Does nobody rent a U-Haul anymore and call up their friends?

The last 3 moves we've done have been corporate relocations so no, we didn't move our own stuff or pack it either. DH's company was paying so we weren't about to do it ourselves. This time it is 6 hours away and the last two times were 16 hours. I have a 2YO and DH has been at the new location since Feb so there was no way I could do it myself. Our friends are nice but we've done the move yourself route too many times in the past 10+ years that we are all kind of tired of it. :)

[laura]

I've never tipped a mover....simply cause I've never used one. Does nobody rent a U-Haul anymore and call up their friends?


We had a corporate relocation for our cross-country move - the first time we had movers. They packed everything up, loaded the truck, drove it cross country, unloaded at our new place, unpacked the boxes and removed all the packing materials. All paid for by my husband's company (except tips). Since that move, I have been forever tainted. No more moving for me - and no more packing, if I can possibly help it! SO worth the money to me to have someone who is a trained professional do it.

Sure beats to cost of paying someone hand over fist to do it for you.

Maybe to you. No way for me.

[allyray231]

I moved from Albany to NYC and rented a UHAL. When I moved into my apt bldg in Queens and back upstate I had movers. Trust me-no way I was moving into an elevator bldg with all my stuff and DH stuff

[PinkMartini]

I've never tipped a mover....simply cause I've never used one. Does nobody rent a U-Haul anymore and call up their friends?

The one & only time we've had movers it was from SoCal to NorCal and it was paid for by DH's co. he was re-locating with.

We've moved 4 times since and rented a U-Haul truck and did it all ourselves... I doubt we'll ever hire movers again....

[udsweetpea]

Maybe to you. No way for me.

My family members and I have moved a total of 27 times, and the thought to hire a mover never crossed our minds.

[diam124]

I moved 7 times in 9 years after college - at first it was no problem moving my things with the help of DH and my Dad. But once DH and I got married it was just too much to do ourselves. We always had walk-up apartments and our furniture is just too heavy and bulky. From that point on we hired movers. I think they are well worth the $. I always packed everything myself - except for the last move into our current house. I had them pack the kitchen and that was perfect because they knew how to pack things correctly so they wouldn't break. I get kind of weirded out by someone packing my clothes and personal things but household goods are fine with me! It makes it so much easier (and faster) to have someone else do the heavy lifting! For a local move movers really aren't that expensive (only our most recent move was reimbursed).

[bookworm]

I agree movers are worth every cent--the first and last time I moved myself (right out of college) I was afraid my dad would have a heart attack hauling a sofa to a 3rd floor walk up. Since then, I've hired movers (though I pack myself--but that's at least partly b/c I use it as a chance to throw things away).

As for tipping, I think I've tipped about $20/mover for a 1 bedroom apt/condo.

[jennylou]

But are you trusting a cashier with all of your worldly posessions as well as working their a$$e$ off with the possibility of getting injured?

I've never used a mover in my adult life. All of our important posessions were packed by us and taken personally with us. Besides, posessions don't mean a ton to me - anything can be replaced. I've lost everything but the shirt on my back and the underwear on my bum before and been just fine without the posessions, which is probably why "stuff" just isn't that important to me.:confused:

I may not be trusting a cashier with that, but I am trusting a cook in a hot kitchen who is busting his/her butt to cook my food and not do anything to it (spit on it, drop it on the floor, etc).

As for them possibly getting injured, that sort of goes with the territory, I suppose. Just as getting a grease burn is likely to happen if you cook in a restaurant.

[Sha259]

Responding directly to the OP here,

If your move was cross country, then I assume that it did cost you a pretty penny. I also assume that the movers had to deal with issues that they normally would not have to for a local move. And, since the fee for service was higher, I would think that a tip that was offered would be a percentage of the fee, split between the workers.

Now, for services outside of table service (we all know the rules there), I usually leave tipping for either outstanding service, quick service, or just super nice people. If I get any of those, I personally feel inclined to tip, because I have never been the type of person who could work in service, so I definitely appreciate their daily labor. However, if the service worker was unreasonably rude, slow as all get out, or sloppy, that sort of thing, their tip goes out the window.

In my personal experience I have always tipped my movers. But I have only had good moving experiences. Just last May, I had to contact new movers last minute to move us because our original movers never showed up (long story). The guys who moved us were spectacular! They were so fast and it was pretty hot out too. I didn't provide food, but did provide lots of cold water and juices. They got us to the new house almost an hour early and didn't damage anything. And their fee was cheaper than the original guys!Needless to say, these guys (three of them) got a $200 tip. And I have recommended them to people for their service ever since.

[ThreeYell]

Our driver owns his own truck but for a national moving company. Does that make a difference?

Yes, I have tipped an owner/operator. They're really hurting right now since they're responsible for their own fuel costs. On the news I've heard that many drivers have stopped working entirely because their fuel costs have exceeded their profit.

[jenahdawn]

I've never used a mover in my adult life.

Then you don't know the protocol. If my DH hadn't worked as one that summer, I wouldn't have know either, although I would have figured some tipping would be involved.

[kedzieb]

I agree movers are worth every cent--the first and last time I moved myself (right out of college) I was afraid my dad would have a heart attack hauling a sofa to a 3rd floor walk up. Since then, I've hired movers (though I pack myself--but that's at least partly b/c I use it as a chance to throw things away).

I agree they are worth the money. I've moved a lot (to and from college, 5 apartments in NYC alone) and after our wedding, it just made more sense for us to use movers. We haven't had anything break & they were able to handle the heavy "grown-up" furniture we had bought and inherited better than our friends. Plus in our last move, I'm pretty sure it was a violation of the co-op board rules to move in without professional movers.

But I always use the packing as a good excuse to whittle down the stuff we don't need anymore.

[trestlegirl]

By that rationale, we should tip anyone who doesn't make a living wage. Get ready to tip your cashiers, your gas station attendant (who just takes the cash, I'm not talking about the ones who pump for you), the cook at the chain restaurant you're eating at, etc, etc, etc.

Well, I pay for my gas at the pump and I don't eat in chain restaurants so, I can't speak to those scenarios....
My understanding is that at most of the restaurants I do eat in, tips are pooled and some of it does in fact go to cooks, dishwashers, etc. If I could ensure that people who were providing me with service were receiving a living wage, I absolutely would, and for that reason I have no problem tipping when people have worked hard on my behalf. You really think that's so strange?

Maybe the problem is not that I over-tip but that you're a cheapskate :)


On topic, I've done both U-haul and hired movers. My recent moves have been sort distances (like 2 miles!) so we've done them ourselves with a friend's truck, and like a PP said, I've used it as an opportunity to get rid of stuff. If we ever move cross-country again, we'll hire a mover - I NEVER want to have to drive a u-haul over a mountain pass again. It's SCARY!!!

[laura]

My family members and I have moved a total of 27 times, and the thought to hire a mover never crossed our minds.

I don't understand this response. Are you trying to engage in a competition about who has moved the most and is thus... I don't even know? Good for you for moving yourself. I have moved myself plenty of times, as well as helped friends move plenty of times. My personal opinion is that (as someone who has done both options) it is worth the money for me to spend to pay someone else to do it b/c - while I can do it myself - I choose to spend my time in other ways. My previous point was - to each her own.

[Bloomwood]

I don't understand this response. Are you trying to engage in a competition about who has moved the most and is thus... I don't even know? Good for you for moving yourself. I have moved myself plenty of times, as well as helped friends move plenty of times. My personal opinion is that (as someone who has done both options) it is worth the money for me to spend to pay someone else to do it b/c - while I can do it myself - I choose to spend my time in other ways. My previous point was - to each her own.

Not that I can speak for udsweetpea, but I am guessing she is just pointing out the same as you - to each her own. I know my parents, even at their advanced age, wouldn't think about hiring movers unless I pushed it on them. They did not grow up in an environment that paid for a service like that. I'm certain that none of their same-generation family has ever paid for a mover, though I'm sure a few of my cousins have (but not all).

I, on the other hand, can't imagine moving or even packing myself ever again. My time is worth much more than what I would pay packers/movers, including a tip.

[carrie9142]

It is much easier to move yourself if you are 1) staying in town and thus have friends to help or 2) have healthy family members who can take time off work and help. If you don't have those things hiring movers is the way to go! We moved several states away last year. We had friends help us load the uhaul, my dad drove it, and we hired movers to help us unload the truck.

THE UNLOADING MOVERS KICKED ASS! It was awesome. They unloaded the entire truck in like 2.5 hours. My DH helped to keep the time down, but they hauled ass. We tipped them and made margaritas for them! Apparently they had moved Pam and Tommy Lee back in the day. She wouldn't even give them water or let them use the bathroom! They asked for tap water in a glass and she pointed towards the 7-11.

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS, I WILL NEVER MOVE MYSELF AGAIN. I don't mind packing boxes, but it sucks so much ass to load and unload the truck. Asking for a certain $$ amount of tip is tacky, but people should definitely tip. That is just basic human kindness.

[lindybug]

We had a corporate relocation for our cross-country move - the first time we had movers. They packed everything up, loaded the truck, drove it cross country, unloaded at our new place, unpacked the boxes and removed all the packing materials. All paid for by my husband's company (except tips). Since that move, I have been forever tainted. No more moving for me - and no more packing, if I can possibly help it! SO worth the money to me to have someone who is a trained professional do it.
Ditto for me!

[udsweetpea]

Not that I can speak for udsweetpea, but I am guessing she is just pointing out the same as you - to each her own.

Thanks. That's exactly what I meant. I did remember after I posted that we did get a quote from a mover for a local move for my parents house. It was something around $8,000. To me, that's not worth it when we enlisted free help from our friends and neighbors.

[phoenics]

I don't understand this response. Are you trying to engage in a competition about who has moved the most and is thus... I don't even know? Good for you for moving yourself. I have moved myself plenty of times, as well as helped friends move plenty of times. My personal opinion is that (as someone who has done both options) it is worth the money for me to spend to pay someone else to do it b/c - while I can do it myself - I choose to spend my time in other ways. My previous point was - to each her own.

Well, I'd love to use my friends to move if I could... but that's nearly impossible now. For me and my friends, moving is soooooo not fun anymore... pizza or no, lol. Now I bite the bullet and hire movers.

I think getting relocated by my company really spoiled me so I can't see doing it any other way now... I think of it and get tired, lol!

[phoenics]

Thanks. That's exactly what I meant. I did remember after I posted that we did get a quote from a mover for a local move for my parents house. It was something around $8,000. To me, that's not worth it when we enlisted free help from our friends and neighbors.

WOW! That's an in-town quote?!?! Wow.

My cross-country move was cheaper than that - including moving my car! But I only had a 2-BR.

Your parents house must have been massive!! :eek:

[udsweetpea]

WOW! That's an in-town quote?!?! Wow.

My cross-country move was cheaper than that - including moving my car! But I only had a 2-BR.

Your parents house must have been massive!! :eek:

So I guess this explains why I think hiring movers is crazy. The only experience with them was the insane quote we received.

And no, their house isn't massive. It's a decent-sized house, but four of us were able to move them without injuring ourselves ;)

[jennylou]

Well, I pay for my gas at the pump and I don't eat in chain restaurants so, I can't speak to those scenarios....
My understanding is that at most of the restaurants I do eat in, tips are pooled and some of it does in fact go to cooks, dishwashers, etc. If I could ensure that people who were providing me with service were receiving a living wage, I absolutely would, and for that reason I have no problem tipping when people have worked hard on my behalf. You really think that's so strange?

Maybe the problem is not that I over-tip but that you're a cheapskate :)


On topic, I've done both U-haul and hired movers. My recent moves have been sort distances (like 2 miles!) so we've done them ourselves with a friend's truck, and like a PP said, I've used it as an opportunity to get rid of stuff. If we ever move cross-country again, we'll hire a mover - I NEVER want to have to drive a u-haul over a mountain pass again. It's SCARY!!!

I'm certainly not a cheapskate when it comes to tipping - I find most former servers and bartenders like myself to tip over and above. :)

I guess I just have to draw the line at tipping somewhere. Which is why I posted in the first place - just to let the OP know that I too, would have been surprised to be ASKED for a tip and been very put off.

[cynder]

It was something around $8,000.

Holy hell! I've called around for both local and cross country moves and am currently calling around for my ILs move from the midwest to Austin. That is an crazy quote!! Did you call around to see how insane it was?

FWIW - I have used movers in my last 3 moves and I will always use movers especially on my next move which will be cross country. I tip especially since I end up moving on the hottest day of the year. I throw in some beer (or lemonade, if they don't accept) at the end of the day.

[udsweetpea]

Did you call around to see how insane it was?

Hmm, not sure. This was quite a while ago, so I don't remember the details. But I'm pretty sure we all just decided it was just worth it to pack everything ourselves and move.

[Kopper]

It is much easier to move yourself if you are 1) staying in town and thus have friends to help or 2) have healthy family members who can take time off work and help.

THE UNLOADING MOVERS KICKED ASS! It was awesome. They unloaded the entire truck in like 2.5 hours.

AS GOD AS MY WITNESS, I WILL NEVER MOVE MYSELF AGAIN.

Yes, yes and yes!! Our 2000 sq ft house filled 1/2 of the huge semi truck. It took them 1 day to pack w/ 3 people and 1 day to pack the remaining things with 1 person. Loading took 7 hours. They just finished unloading an hour ago and it took them 5 hours w/ 3 people. There is no way in hell I would have wanted to do that myself and try and watch a 2YO. I couldn't have recruited enough friends to help me do it either. They all have jobs and kids. Having them take 4 days our of their busy lives wouldn't be worth it to me or them.

Thanks. That's exactly what I meant. I did remember after I posted that we did get a quote from a mover for a local move for my parents house. It was something around $8,000. To me, that's not worth it when we enlisted free help from our friends and neighbors.

Well you guys were given a pretty high qoute. Our move packing and everything is costing around $8500 for a national moving company. We moved 350 miles away and DH's company took out a really great insurance policy on our stuff (according to the driver). Normally they pay up to $0.60 per pound and we were/are insured at $100 per pound with a few additional ridders.

Well, I'd love to use my friends to move if I could... but that's nearly impossible now. For me and my friends, moving is soooooo not fun anymore... pizza or no, lol. Now I bite the bullet and hire movers.

I think getting relocated by my company really spoiled me so I can't see doing it any other way now... I think of it and get tired, lol!

So agree! Moving is not fun with a 2YO. The last two moves before this were 16hr away but I didn't have a kiddo to chase around and keep occupied. Our next move will likely be on us in 2-3 years but I am not going to have a problem paying for it. We might do somethings that will cut down on costs like pack everything that isn't breakable but other than that I'm not interested in moving myself anymore. It is worth it to me to pay people to help.

-----
So thanks to this thread we tiped the driver today ($100) and each of the other guys ($30 each). The other guys were only here on this leg so they were only at our house 5 hours where as the driver was on both ends plus did loading and unloading. We are going to send money to the company for the other two movers and the 3 packers. We also bought them all donuts this morning since they were done by lunchtime.

[GlamaGal]

We tip movers & packers. The last two times they've worked a little over because of underestimating all our "stuff", and so we also bought a case of Mountain Dew when we asked what else we could get them. We move at least every 2 years (build, rent, build, etc.) and they bust their butts moving all our crap from place to place.

I'm a big rewarder when someone does something for me, and does a good job. I've worked those sh*t jobs, and I remember kindness well.

[Niobe]

I'm certainly not a cheapskate when it comes to tipping - I find most former servers and bartenders like myself to tip over and above. :)
.And I'm sure you expected (though hopefully never asked for) tips when you were tending bars. But why does the person serving you liquor deserve a tip when the person serving you coffee doesn't, apparently?

Do you tip your stylist?

I've never hired movers but it does seem logical that you would tip them.

[Sha259]

udsweetpea - my jaw dropped at your quote! They must have been trying to scam you. That sucks.

I moved a 2br/1.5 bath house about 40 miles away for $300. We packed ourselves, but they did all the hauling. IMO it was well worth it. I do my fair share of DIY, but with moving, depending on the size furniture you have, could be very stressful by yourself.
DH and I have pretty large heavy furniture, and I definately didn't want to be hauling that around in the heat. But like PPs have said, to each his/her own.

Well, bottom line I guess is if they demanded the tip or not. To expect one for service I guess isn't so bad, but to outright ask for one is another matter. I agree it would be off-putting.

[jennylou]

And I'm sure you expected (though hopefully never asked for) tips when you were tending bars. But why does the person serving you liquor deserve a tip when the person serving you coffee doesn't, apparently?

Do you tip your stylist?

I've never hired movers but it does seem logical that you would tip them.

I tip when I go to the beauty salon.

And, no, I never asked for a tip while serving tables or bartending. Most people do tip, though not all do. As a server, I made less than $3 per hour, as a bartender, in the evenings I made $5 per hour, less than minimum wage - which is why bartenders are tipped. While some areas of the country pay more than that to bartenders and servers, that was about standard around these parts - your tips were definitely expected to bring you to minimum wage.

I imagine (I don't frequent coffee joints) that most people serving coffee (where people are not bringing pots of coffee to your table) are paid at least minimum wage.

Still, I often do leave change at the ice cream stands (since that is probably closer to your analogy of the coffee place) - unless the person serving me is particularly rude. But, I must say that even at the ice cream stands, I am one of the few who bother throwing the change in their jars. I just tend to feel bad for them, as sometimes, they don't even have AC in the little buildings.